A Greek Island Dream: My Solo Luxury Holiday in Corfu
There’s something almost magical about booking a holiday for no one but yourself. Not because friends or family couldn’t join, but because you choose to. It’s all about falling in love with your own company. My first trip to Greece - and my first truly luxurious holiday - was exactly that. I had no real milestone worth celebrating, but I wanted to thank myself for all the hard work I’d been putting in for years and years. I didn’t want a long flight, but I wanted somewhere that felt like another world. Corfu, with its sunlit beaches and timeless charm, seemed to call my name.
The moment I arrived at the Grecotel Corfu Imperial, I made a decision that’s now my rule for all future travels: start with self-care. Before unpacking, before even exploring, I booked myself a massage, a body scrub, and a hair treatment at the hotel’s spa. It was the perfect way to wash off the travel and step into holiday mode. By the time I floated to my room, my luggage was already waiting for me, and I was ready for my first evening in this island paradise.
One of the most enchanting things about the Greco Imperial is its setting on a private peninsula. There are no neighbouring hotels - just their own quiet, perfect beaches. My favourite was the adults-only stretch, where the soundtrack was nothing but the occasional splash and the turning of pages as people read in the shade. I spent hours there, sipping iced drinks, ordering light lunches to my table, and slipping into the water whenever the sun felt too warm. There was something intoxicating about knowing no one else needed me at that moment - the rare luxury of being entirely, selfishly, joyfully on my own.
Mornings at the hotel felt like a scene from a film. Breakfast often came with live music - once, a saxophonist playing soft jazz as the sea sparkled beyond the terrace. I took my time, because I could. Dining alone has always been one of my favourite indulgences, and here I embraced it completely. I tried the hotel’s Italian and seafood restaurants, always dressing for the occasion, making each evening feel like its own little event. There’s a comfort in having your phone or book in hand. But for my evening at Yali - I wanted nothing to come between me and the sunset over the sea. And then there was my nightly ritual: stopping by the gelato bar or sweet shop for dessert, strolling slowly around the resort as the day faded into night.
One of the highlights of my stay was a boat trip that took us across turquoise coves and into crystalline waters. I was the only solo traveller in a small crowd of couples, but far from feeling awkward, I felt glee. People seemed impressed that I’d come on my own, which showed how rare it seems to still be, especially for a young woman to enjoy luxury on her own. We swam, laughed, and soaked up the sun, and at one point I found myself floating in the middle of the sea, staring at the horizon, just feeling grateful - for the stillness, for the view, and for giving myself permission to be here.
On another day, I visited Danilia Village, a recreated 1930s Corfiot town that felt like walking into a perfectly preserved film set. I wandered its pastel-coloured streets, sat in the shade with a Coca-Cola, and imagined myself as a character in a vintage summer romance. Later, I explored the UNESCO-listed Old Town Corfu, losing myself in a maze of Venetian architecture, flower-draped balconies, and little shops selling olive oil, handmade ceramics, and crisp linen dresses. I let my feet guide me down cobbled lanes, turning corners simply because I wanted to see what was there. Without a companion’s pace to match, I moved at my own rhythm, sometimes slow enough to notice the details in the archways, sometimes quick to catch a glimpse of the sea through an alleyway before it vanished again.
By the time I left, I’d realised this trip was more than just a holiday. It was a reminder that solo travel isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity. Solo travel has a way of stripping away the noise. It reminds you that you are enough company for yourself, and that life’s sweetest pleasures -a good meal, a glass of rosé at sunset, the sound of waves outside your window - are just as beautiful when you experience them alone.
For women especially, before the trappings of relationships and motherhood can sometimes put our own desires second, there’s something profoundly liberating about crafting an experience that’s entirely for you. Eat when you want, swim when you want, dress up just because, and order dessert twice if you feel like it.
In Corfu, I didn’t just take a trip - I gave myself a gift. And I’ll never stop encouraging others to do the same.
Travel Notes: Corfu for UK Travellers
Getting There
Corfu is just a short hop from the UK, flights from London, Manchester, and Birmingham take around 3–3.5 hours. Corfu International Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias) is about a 20–25 minute drive from the Grecotel Corfu Imperial, and transfers can be arranged through the hotel or via private car services.
When to Visit
The island shines from late May to early October. July and August bring the hottest temperatures and the liveliest atmosphere, while May, June, and September offer warm weather with fewer crowds.
Where I Stayed
Grecotel Corfu Imperial – a 5-star luxury resort set on its own private peninsula. Expect stunning views, private beaches (including a serene adults-only option), multiple dining options, a gelato bar, and an award-winning spa. Ideal for those who want privacy with the option of socialising.
Must-Do Experiences
Book a Spa Treatment on Arrival – Start your trip the way I did: with a massage, body scrub, and hair treatment to wash away the stress of travel.
Private Beaches – Spend a day at the adults-only beach with a book, a chilled drink, and the sound of waves for company.
Boat Trip – Explore Corfu’s hidden coves and crystal waters, with plenty of opportunities for a swim.
Danilia Village – Step back in time in this recreated 1930s Corfu town - like walking onto a film set.
Old Corfu Town – A UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with pastel buildings, cobbled streets, and charming cafés.
Dining Tips
Even if you’re dining alone, dress up and make an occasion of it. Try the hotel’s various restaurants for a romantic solo dinner, and don’t skip the gelato bar for an evening treat. Aristo is known for its elegant decor and French fine dining. Yali Seafood offers panoramic views with your seafood, al fresco style. Mon Repos features international and Mediterranean cuisines. Try Merlin’s for an adults-only Asian and Latin American fusion cuisine. Trattoria & Wine Bar offers casual Italian dining.
Travel Notes for US Visitors
Corfu is one of Greece’s most beautiful Ionian islands, known for its Venetian history, lush green hills, and glittering beaches. From the US, the easiest route is to fly into Athens, then take a quick one-hour flight to Corfu International Airport. Many European carriers also connect through hubs like London, Paris, or Rome.
The Greco Imperial, located just 25 minutes from the airport, is a five-star resort set on its own private peninsula - perfect for travellers who want peace, privacy, and luxury without feeling cut off from the island’s main attractions. The best time to visit is late spring through early autumn, when the weather is warm and the sea is at its most inviting.
